NAFDAC DESTROYS EXPIRED MEDICINES WORTH N59M IN RIVERS
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By:Aminat Tajudeen
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed expired donated medicines and medical consumables valued at N59 million in Rivers State.
The expired products, which included antidepressants, anti-ulcer drugs, analgesics and medications for hypertension, were imported from the United States through the Nigeria Ports Authority Area 1 Port in Port Harcourt.
According to NAFDAC, its officials, working with the Nigeria Customs Service, intercepted the consignments at the port before they could enter circulation.
The Director of NAFDAC, South-South Zone, Chukwuma Oligbu, disclosed this on Monday during the destruction exercise held at the Igwuruta dump site along the Eneka-Igwuruta Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Oligbu said the exercise reflected NAFDAC’s commitment, under the leadership of its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to protecting public health and ensuring that medicines available in Nigeria meet the required standards of quality, safety and efficacy.
He noted that donated medicines play a vital role in supporting healthcare delivery, particularly for vulnerable and underserved communities. However, he stressed that expired or otherwise unsuitable products must be removed from circulation and safely destroyed.
“These expired donated drugs were shipped into the country from the United States through NPA Area 1 Port, Port Harcourt, before they were flagged by NAFDAC inspectors at the port in collaboration with Customs officials,” he said.
Oligbu added that the drugs, valued at about N59 million, were placed on hold pending their destruction, describing the action as part of efforts to prevent the diversion, misuse and unauthorised distribution of expired, substandard or unfit medical products.
He warned that expired medicines within the pharmaceutical supply chain could pose serious public health risks if they re-enter circulation, potentially leading to misuse or inappropriate administration while eroding public confidence in the healthcare system.
According to him, the strategic importance of the South-South region, which hosts major seaports, commercial centres, healthcare facilities and extensive trade activities, makes effective regulatory surveillance, enforcement and inter-agency collaboration essential.
He assured that NAFDAC would continue to strengthen its regulatory operations across the region through inspections, surveillance, monitoring, enforcement, public enlightenment and sustained engagement with stakeholders.
Oligbu also commended the Nigeria Customs Service, sister agencies, development partners and other stakeholders for their cooperation in ensuring the successful destruction of the expired products.
He said sustained collaboration and responsible regulatory practices remained crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain and protecting public health.
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